While traveling in Europe in 1871, 17-year old Julia Newberry (1853-1876), the daughter of Walter Newberry, made a list in her diary comprising the books and authors she loved and hated. Jill Gage will discuss her ongoing endeavor to reconstitute Julia’s library, and will offer an analysis of Julia’s literary tastes. Come find out which authors Julia loved, which she considered “simply horrid”, and to whom she was referring when she wrote: “If I had nothing better to do than to write such trash I would give up!”

The Newberry Library Colloquium is a weekly gathering of Newberry staff members, fellows, scholars-in-residence, and readers on Wednesday afternoon. Refreshments are available at 3:30 pm and an informal presentation begins at 4 pm, followed by discussion. The talks are varied, but all relate to the Newberry collections in some way. Speakers may describe a current research project, highlight a particular collection, or discuss one of the Library’s many ongoing or special programs. The Colloquium is open to the public and no reservations are required.